By the way, does anyone know whether Cussler is conservative or liberal? I’ve read several of his books and enjoyed them. But, the one I just started seems to be glorifying environmental wackos, and if he’s a lib, I want to trash it before I bet too much further in.

I hate when that happens... I am not personally familiar with Mr. Cussler’s works beyond his obvious popularity. The same thing happened with a crime fiction writer I enjoy though - after the war started I noticed the books became more and more politically charged (just bits here and there, but enough that I noticed it). I used to like the books a lot, and now I just pass up the name when I’m looking for something new (or to get an old hardback).